Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training After Covid-19 (ReCOV)

Summary

Initially, it was suspected that Covid-19 would primarily affect the airways, but several studies have now shown that it is a disease with multisystem manifestations. Covid-19 has the potential to affect physical, cognitive, and psychological functions in multiple ways. It has been clear that a significant proportion of patients with Covid-19 develop long-term symptoms. The term post-acute Covid-19 syndrome (PACS) is now used to describe the wide range of prolonged symptoms following the infection. Patients who have been in hospital for Covid-19 for a long time may need specialized rehabilitation, however, also non-hospitalized patients with mild symptoms may need specific rehabilitation to be able to meet the complex symptoms and problems that may arise. Previous studies on the recovery and rehabilitation after other coronavirus shows the importance to develop tailored interventions so that these patients receive appropriate rehabilitation

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of inspiratory muscle training on adult patients with PACS and decreased respiratory muscle strength.

A randomized controlled trial will be used. A total of 90 adult patients with PACS and 80 % or less of predicted value in inspiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure) will be eligible for enrollment. Patients will be randomized either to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention will consist of inspiratory muscle training performed twice daily for 8 weeks. This will be combined with an 8-week physical exercise training program. The control group will perform the same physical exercise training according to standard care. All measurements will be performed at baseline and after 8 weeks.

Primary outcome is maximal inspiratory pressure. Secondary outcomes are: Maximal expiratory pressure, pulmonary function, physical capacity, physical activity, respiratory status and symptoms, health-related quality of life, work ability, fatigue, self-reported outcome measure of physical function and voice function.

Covid-19 has the potential to affect physical, cognitive, and psychological functions in multiple ways and lead to a negative impact on quality of life in the long-term perspective. Therefore, development of a rehabilitation program with specific tailored interventions will be necessary to improve physical and psychological function, as well as health-related quality of life and work ability.

Conditions

• Covid-19
• Respiratory Complication
• Post-Acute Covid-19 Syndrome

Interventions

OTHER

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT)

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) at 20-50 % of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), 2 x 30 repetitions, twice a day for 8 weeks.

OTHER

Physical exercise

A physical exercise program at least two times a week for 8 weeks. Including strength, aerobic and mobility exercises.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Karolinska University Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Karolinska Institutet

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Malin Nygren Bonnier, PhD · Karolinska Institutet

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-08-24

Primary Completion

2024-12-31

Completion

2024-12-31

Countries

• Sweden

Study Locations